Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve an important role in the regulation of gene expression. In the present study, differential expressions of miRNAs were compared between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and normal esophageal tissues. In combination with miRNA target prediction databases, a significantly increased expression of miR‑612 was discovered in ESCC. The relationship between miR‑612 and TP53 gene expression and their roles in ESCC invasion and metastasis was further studied by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in EC109 cells and cancer tissues. The EC109 cell invasion and migration were significantly reduced after miR‑612 expression was inhibited. The levels of wild type TP53 protein and mRNA were lower in ESCC tissues compared to the normal esophageal epithelium. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels were reported as downregulated further in tumors with metastasis than in tumors without. In conclusion, miR‑612 is identified as associated with ESCC development and metastasis, likely through the regulation of TP53 expression, which could be a potential therapeutic target.